In Yoruba, Spinach is called Efo tete. Efo means vegetable and this vegetable has numerous health benefits.

In this post, we’ll highlight some of the benefits of Spinach.

There are different types of Spinach and the one found in Nigeria is called the African spinach. The botanical name is Spinacia oleracea.

The leaf is green and it’s a rich source of vitamins and minerals. Typically, spinach can be eaten raw as part of salad or can be cooked when preparing traditional soups.

Some of the vitamins and minerals contained in spinach include potassium, manganese, zinc, magnesium, iron, and calcium and vitamins like folate, niacin, vitamin A, vitamin B6 and vitamin C and traces of thiamine and riboflavine. Spinach is also packed with beta-carotene, lutein, xanthene, and chlorophyllin.

Some of the health benefits of Spinach include:

Vision

Spinach is a rich source of beta-carotene, lutein, and xanthene which have been known to improve eyesight and maintain excellent vision. Intake of spinach can also prevent vitamin A deficiencies, itching eyes, eye ulcers, and dry eyes due to its anti-inflammatory properties.

Spinach also treats macular degeneration which can lead to blindness. The cause of this ailment is usually loss of lutein and xanthene which spinach can help replenish.

The antioxidants contained in spinach can also help protect and positive impact vision whole preventing eye conditions like glaucoma and cataracts.

Neurology

Spinach contains potassium, folate, and several antioxidants that have been linked with neurological benefits.

For instance, folate has been associated with the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease. Also potassium is an important constituent of brain cells as it can boost blood flow to the brain while improving neural activity, cognition and concentration.

Blood pressure

The potassium content of spinach is very beneficial in managing blood pressure as potassium is linked with lower blood pressure level.

Muscle strength

Spinach contains COQ-10 which is an enzyme that strengthens the muscles especially the heart muscles while continually pumping blood to different parts of the body.

Also, COQ-10 has been linked with the treatment and prevention of cardiovascular diseases like hyperlipidemia, heart failure, hypertension and coronary heart disease.

Bones

Spinach contains vitamin K which improves the retention of calcium in the bone matrix, thereby leading to bone mineralization. It also contains manganese, copper, magnesium, zinc, and phosphorus which help to build strong bones. This can help prevent osteoporosis while maintain healthy bones and teeth.

Digestion

Spinach has the ability to protect the mucous membrane of gastrointestinal tract especially tract which can help prevent gastric ulcer and inflammatory conditions of the bowels